Recovering from Breast Augmentation Surgery

When scheduling a breast augmentation surgery, it is important that you understand what to expect in the recovery process. At Dr. Chang’s office, we will ensure that your surgery is performed with high-level surgical skills and that you have all the information you need about aftercare to aid in a speedy recovery. It will take several weeks for your body to completely heal after the procedure.

Dr. Chang is a highly-accomplished plastic surgeon who uses modern breast augmentation surgical techniques for minimal scarring and faster healing. He carefully monitors his patients throughout recovery. After your surgery, you will have follow-up appointments to ensure all is progressing as it should.

What to Expect During Your Recovery

Recovery from breast augmentation surgery is much like recovering from any other surgery in that you will need to give yourself time to heal. Rest is critical. Your body needs to expend its energy on healing. To make recovery smooth, eat healthy foods and consume plenty of fluids. It is normal to experience the following during the early stages of recovery:

Moderate pain

Swelling in the breast area

Bruising around the implants

Nausea

Most of these symptoms diminish or disappear after the first week or two.

Will I have to stay overnight in the hospital?

After your surgery, you will need to rest for an hour or two until the anesthesia has worn off. At this point, you can return home. Ensure you have a friend or family member to transport you. Most patients do not need a hospital stay for breast augmentation surgery and can return home the same day. The surgery only involves a small incision and healing time is not extensive.

Dr. Chang will make sure you are doing well after the surgery before releasing you to return home. Have all that you will need within easy reach, such as drinks, pillows, and other items as after surgery you will feel tired and will need to rest for the remainder of the day.

How long will my recovery take?

The healing process after breast implant surgery takes an average of six weeks. While you may feel you have fully recovered before that, the implants are not completely settled until the sixth week. Up to that time, your new breasts may appear slightly swollen.

The first week of recovery is the most important. During this time, it is recommended that you spend most of your time in bed or seated in a comfortable position for extra rest. Any pain from surgery is easily handled with prescription medication, which is typically not needed after the first few days.

You will need to avoid showering for the first few days and take no baths for the first two weeks to give the incisions time to heal. Your new breasts will be wrapped to hold them in place and allow them to become set in the correct position. Wear loose clothing to avoid putting any strain on the breast area. Exercise should be limited, such as taking walks. Always avoid lifting, stretching, bending over, or other motions that may put pressure on the incisions.

How soon will I be able to resume regular activities?

After the first week, many patients return to work. While you are not yet ready to resume physical activities such as lifting objects or bending over, sitting at a desk is usually easy to tolerate. After two weeks, you can resume light activity but should not exercise or perform any other strenuous or vigorous activity, as advised by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Around the fourth week, you can resume mild exercise, but avoid straining the muscles in the chest. By the sixth week, you should have your full range of motion and will be able to resume your regular physical activity without concern.

How to Have a Fast, Successful Recovery

The most important thing you can do during your recovery is allow yourself adequate time to heal. Rather than rushing back to work before you are ready, plan to take sufficient time off. Once your breasts have fully healed, you can resume all your normal activities. Don’t push yourself too early and risk creating problems with the surgical incision or implant placement.

During recovery, wear the post-operative garments we provide. This will ensure that your breasts heal properly and are kept in the correct position. You will be required to sleep on your back and use pillows to keep your head elevated. Your sleeping position is important, as you want to avoid putting any pressure on your chest during this period.

Follow-up Appointments

After Dr. Chang performs your breast augmentation surgery, we will schedule post-operative appointments to make sure that you are healing well. These appointments are a crucial part monitoring your recovery. Watching your progress helps us ensure that your recovery is proceeding as it should.

Schedule a Consultation With Us

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chang to discuss your options. Dr. Chang’s high-level surgical skills are geared to limit scarring and create the most beautiful, balanced, and appealing outcome. He focuses on guiding his patients throughout the recovery process. We are committed to providing patient-focused care and producing truly beautiful results.